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32 THE WEASELS OF HOLM-WOOD.

Warren, you would have thought it was a good thing to have the
light-heartedness of children.

The Martens, father and son, retired up an oak-tree, at the old
man’s request, to talk over their private affairs. "When the son
heard of his father’s plans, and how young Ferret had been arrested,
he was struck dumb with amazement. He had never dreamed that
his father would interfere in such a matter; and if the truth must
be told, he was already engaged to Miss Pussy, the eldest daughter
of old Mrs. Hare of the Ferns.

However, he knew better than to contradict his father’s inten-
tions too suddenly, for he felt assured that the old: ‘man would cut
him off with a shilling if he were to offend him;’ so he pretended

to acquiesce in all that was said, and promised compliance in
every particular.

_ But as soon as his father had bidden him farewell, and had
got out of sight, young Longtail ran as fast as his legs would
carry him to the cavern where the doctor was imprisoned, paid
the amount of the debt for which he had been arrested, and took

young Ferret home with him to consult about their future conduct.

It would have amused you, could you have heard all the plans

discussed by these young lovers for their joint benefit; how the